Where EBVs are known for both parents the genetic worth of their progeny can be estimated by taking the average of the sire and dam’s EBVs.
EBV |
A brief explanation... |
8-week weight (kg) |
Selection on high EBVs for these traits will result in |
Weight at ultrasonic scanning (20/21 weeks) (kg) |
faster growing lambs. Selection for high growth rates also tends to result in an overall increase in mature size. |
Ultrasonic muscle depth (mm) |
Selection on high figures will increase muscle depth and hence the lean meat content of the carcase. |
Ultrasonic fat depth (mm) |
Selection on low fat depth EBVs will result in less fat in the carcase. |
Mature size (kg) |
Selecting animals with high figures for this trait will increase the mature size of the animals. |
Litter size (lambs born) |
Selection on high EBVs for this trait will increase litter size. |
Maternal ability (kg) |
This is the maternal component of the 8-week weight measurement. The higher this figure the better a ram’s ewe lambs will perform as mothers (eg milking ability). |
